Is A Long-Form Family Portrait Session Right for You?
A young girl sitting on her family horse
Is This the Right Kind of Session for Your Family?
There’s no one “right” way to do family photos. Some families want classic portraits and a clean, polished look—which can be so special. Others want something a little looser, more documentary in feel, and a little less about looking at the camera.
These sessions are for the second group.
My long-form family sessions are slow, natural, and mostly unposed. They’re built for families who want to capture their life as it is right now—chalk-covered hands, snack breaks, bare feet, and all. We’re not racing the clock or aiming for a single perfect shot. Instead, we’re creating space for real connection and genuine interaction.
What These Sessions Look Like
The Dobbins family’s session is a perfect example. We spent a couple of hours together—no outfit changes or big productions. Just watermelon slices in the backyard, chalk drawings on the patio, and a walk down the road to visit the family horse. It felt more like an afternoon hangout than a photo shoot, which is exactly the point.
Who These Sessions Are Great For
Families who want more than just a holiday card photo
Parents who don’t mind if someone’s hair is messy or a shirt gets stained halfway through
Kids who love to explore, get dirty, and be themselves
People who love imagery that feels warm, layered, and true
Anyone drawn to the look and feel of film photography
This style of session works best when families are open to a bit of imperfection, and more focused on feeling than formality. And yes, I’ll guide you gently with light and setting—but I won’t be asking you to say “cheese.”
A Note on Film
Most of what I shoot in these sessions is on 35mm and medium format film. It’s not about being trendy—film just has a way of rendering emotion and texture that makes the moments feel lived-in and lasting. It gives the images a warmth that digital can’t quite replicate.
Curious if It’s a Fit?
If you’re in Charlotte, Davidson, Lake Norman, or the surrounding areas and this approach resonates with you, I’d love to chat. You don’t need a perfect house or perfect kids—you just need to show up and be yourselves. We’ll take it from there.
